Overview
- Merz told a joint press conference in Jerusalem that Israel must be held accountable under international law for its military actions in Gaza.
- Germany has reversed its August partial arms embargo on Israel and is re-engaging on defense projects, including participation in the Arrow 3 missile-defense system.
- While reaffirming support for Israel’s security, Merz warned there can be no formal, political, structural or de facto steps that amount to annexation in the West Bank.
- Netanyahu said political annexation remains under discussion and predicted Israel’s security control would continue, while describing a next phase in a U.S.-brokered plan to deradicalize Gaza.
- In a stop in Jordan, Merz urged increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and called on Hamas fighters to lay down their arms, and he reiterated that any Palestinian state must come through negotiations.